Today we’d like to introduce you to Nisa Marckese.
Hi Nisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a California State Licensed Nail Technician. My main goal as a Nail Technician is to protect the overall health of your natural nails and to have my customers walk away feeling their absolute best! The reason I got into nails wasn’t just because of all the cool nail art but because I had a horrible experience myself with a careless Nail Technician. The situation encouraged me to become more educated on the services I was receiving and to always ask questions about the products being used. Soon enough, I was purchasing my own products and doing my own nails. Then my mom and a few of my friends allowed me to practice on them. It then became a side hustle/hobby that I was extremely passionate about. Why would I not want to turn that into a career? I ended up going to school and getting licensed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. During the middle of completing my 400 hours at school Covid ended up hitting us here in Los Angeles and the school ended up moving to online classes. It was discouraging a little at first because I, as well as my classmates, expected to be able to put what we learned to use in the student salon. We were at that point in the program where a lot of our practical hours were completed and now it was just time to practice as much as you could till our CA State Board Exam was scheduled. My test, specifically, ended up being rescheduled on me three different times due to Covid. I waited over a whole year after all my hours were completed before I was able to take my Board Exam and pass. Thankfully, I passed on my first try in February 2021! Whew.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Nail Technician, I currently specialize in all things gel! Whether it’s gel manicures, gel extensions or gel overlays…I’m your girl. I believe what sets me apart from other nail technicians is the education you receive while I’m doing your nails. I like to explain what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. I believe that by consistently educating my clients it will help them care for their nails more in the long run once they fully understand the work that goes in behind it.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I am blessed to have a really wonderful mentor who was also one of my teachers in school. Big shout out to Ceci at Neihule Academy in Downtown Los Angeles! She has always been there for any help or support I’ve needed.
Let’s be real, networking can always be really tricky for some people. The easiest thing for me when it comes to networking is remembering to just be myself. When I do that, it’s fairly easy for me to network and meet new people either online or in person. I know what’s worked well for me is attending classes. I met a great group of Nail Techs a couple of years ago in an acrylic class that I still keep in touch with today!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Nailsbynisa_
